COSH!: The cosmetics ingredients to avoid and the greener…

Every day, we make countless choices that impact both our well-being and the planet. From the clothes we wear to the food we eat, conscious consumerism is on the rise. But there’s one area that often slips under the radar — our beauty routine.

The cosmetics industry is booming, with more people investing in “good” products. But what does “good” really mean? Beyond the sleek packaging and clever marketing, the ingredient list tells a deeper story — one of environmental impact, ethical concerns, and sometimes, hidden toxins.

Why International Women’s Day is the perfect time to rethink our beauty choices

International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating achievements; it’s about pushing for change. Many beauty products contain ingredients that not only harm the environment but also contribute to unfair labour practices — often affecting women in marginalised communities. By making informed choices, we can support ethical sourcing, fair wages, and sustainable practices, empowering women around the world.

So, how do we navigate the world of beauty more consciously? Let’s start with what to avoid and explore the best alternatives.

5 beauty ingredients to avoid

1. Palm oil & its derivatives

Palm oil is a common ingredient in cosmetics, but its production is linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, and human rights abuses—with women often working in unfair conditions on palm plantations. The problem? It hides under multiple names, like sodium lauryl sulfate, cetyl alcohol, or glyceryl stearate.

What to do: Look for RSPO-certified products or brands that use alternative plant oils like coconut or shea butter.

2. Synthetic colours (FD&C dyes)

These artificial colourants, often derived from petroleum or coal tar, contain heavy metals that may be harmful to both humans and marine life when washed down the drain. They can appear on labels as Red 40, Blue 1, or Yellow 5.

What to do: Opt for brands using plant-based colourants like beetroot, turmeric, or cocoa powder.

3. Synthetic fragrances & hidden chemicals

“Fragrance” on an ingredient list might seem harmless, but it’s an umbrella term for potentially hundreds of undisclosed chemicals—many of which can trigger allergies or disrupt hormones. Some, like linalool, limonene, or phthalates, contribute to air and water pollution.

What to do: Choose fragrance-free products or those scented with essential oils like lavender, rose, or chamomile.

4. Silicones

Silicones (like dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane) create a smooth texture but don’t biodegrade, leading to long-term environmental accumulation. Microplastics, often found in exfoliants, do the same — posing a major threat to marine life.

What to do: Swap them for natural alternatives like jojoba oil, aloe vera, or bamboo-derived exfoliants.

5. Animal-derived ingredients

Some cosmetics still use animal-derived components like carmine (crushed beetles for red pigment), lanolin (from sheep’s wool), and collagen. These can be problematic from an ethical standpoint, especially for those seeking cruelty-free alternatives.

What to do: Choose vegan products or those certified by Leaping Bunny or Choose Cruelty-Free.

5 conscious ingredients to look for

1. Algae extracts

A powerful antioxidant, algae offers skin hydration while being a low-impact, renewable resource. Many brands use it as an alternative to synthetic thickeners.

2. Bamboo charcoal

Bamboo grows rapidly without pesticides, making it a great sustainable choice. Bamboo charcoal absorbs toxins and naturally exfoliates the skin without microplastics.

3. Shea butter

Sourced from women-led cooperatives in West Africa, shea butter is a rich moisturiser that supports fair trade and community development.

4. Rosehip oil

Packed with vitamins, rosehip oil is an alternative to synthetic anti-ageing ingredients. It’s often wild-harvested, making it a more sustainable choice.

5. Green tea extract

This powerhouse ingredient, often organically farmed, replaces synthetic antioxidants and helps fight skin inflammation. Look for brands sourcing from ethical tea plantations.

Making the switch: apps & certifications to help you

Navigating beauty labels can be overwhelming, but tech can help. Apps like CosmEthics, OneLabel, and OnSkin scan products for harmful ingredients. For ethical and sustainable choices, look for certifications like:

COSMOS (organic cosmetics)
BDIH (natural cosmetics)
NaTrue (authentic natural & organic cosmetics)
EcoCert (organic certification for beauty products)
CertClean (clean beauty verification)

Small changes, big impact

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate by making choices that uplift women, protect the planet, and keep our beauty routines truly beautiful. By choosing ethical, eco-conscious ingredients, we create demand for fair trade, responsible farming, and cruelty-free practices—all of which benefit women working in the beauty supply chain worldwide.

Every product we buy is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. Let’s make it a more just, beautiful one.

Ready to make the switch? Let’s glow up — ethically.